Router recommendation

[Siwy12]

Hi,

Looking for some input for what kind of router to purchase. My home has LAN ports in every room for streaming boxes and desktops. I'm also using a apple airport for just the wifi (router function turned off). Current Router is an old D-Link GamerLounge DGL-4100.

Current router is lacking:
- Gigabit ports; just upgrade to Comcast 150 and unable to use the full speed
- Website blocking (would like this ability per device/mac address - have young kids)
- Scheduled usage (again - for the kids would like ability to set usage restrictions by date/time to limit their internet access by device).

Appreciate the help!

Thanks!!

 

[Genx87]

Use old computer, put in two nics, run Sophos Home UTM.

 

[Siwy12]

Use old computer, put in two nics, run Sophos Home UTM.

Thanks, but would prefer a router with lower power usage & maintenance than a PC (and have limited space in the "wiring" closet so no room for computer/monitor).

 

[mxnerd]

TP-Link Archer C9

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1900-Wireless-Wi-Fi-Router/dp/B00PDLRHFW

http://www.tp-link.com/us/products/details/cat-5506_Archer-C9.html#specifications

http://static.tp-link.com/Archer C9(US)_V3_User Guide.pdf

 

[Siwy12]

TP-Link Archer C9

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1900-Wireless-Wi-Fi-Router/dp/B00PDLRHFW

http://www.tp-link.com/us/products/details/cat-5506_Archer-C9.html#specifications

http://static.tp-link.com/Archer C9(US)_V3_User Guide.pdf

Thanks! Looks like a nice option. What about something without the wifi/wireless capability? I just need a wired router as it will sit in my basement wiring closet. For wifi I use just an access point plugged in on 2nd floor (plugged into LAN which will connect directly to the new router; currently using a Apple Airport Express with router features turned off) for better coverage...

 

[mxnerd]

Just disable WiFi signal if you don't need it. I guess most WiFi routers provide that option.

 

[Siwy12]

Just disable WiFi signal if you don't need it. I guess most WiFi routers provide that option.

Yep, of course that is an option - was just hoping there was something with similar functionality (minus the wifi) that was cheaper

 

[mxnerd]

EdgeRouert X is cheaper, wired. But don't know if it can schedule access time for your children.

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-EdgeRouter-Advanced-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B00YFJT29C

 

[AnonymouseUser]

EdgeRouert X is cheaper, wired. But don't know if it can schedule access time for your children.

https://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-EdgeRouter-Advanced-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B00YFJT29C

It can. See page 32 for time rules.

 

[Rifter]

edgerouter is probably cheapest. If you want to step up to a router with tighter security and more options pfsense is great, you can run it on any old PC, or a NUC, or buy one of their boxes such as

https://netgate.com/products/sg-1000.html

 

[Genx87]

Thanks, but would prefer a router with lower power usage & maintenance than a PC (and have limited space in the "wiring" closet so no room for computer/monitor).

The only maintenance would be updates to the router software. It runs bare metal on the hardware using a modified version of CentOS. They do sell hardware but it is a bit pricey. Lowest end unit probably runs ~350. I ran mine without a KB,mouse, and monitor for years until it was virtualized last week. Managed strictly through the web interface. Monitor, KB+Mouse only needed on initial install.

Those TP link, ASUS like routers lack outbound port filtering, anti-virus at the gateway, intrusion protection, and application filtering. Inbound filtering means nothing. All it is doing is static inspection. Which means dick imo behind a NAT. Computers phone home on outbound ports, the firewall lets traffic back in. What you are looking to do is going to require a much more robust router OS. Pfsense or Sophos are really the only game in town for this in the home space due to their cost(0$). I like Sophos because everything required to run at full capacity comes out of the box. PfSense still requires add-ons. Though I believe they have added some of that bolt on capacity into the installer now. At least it had it when I installing it in Azure last week.

 

[Joey Meng]

I would have to say for gaming the router I've been using with no issues or faults is a good option, The ASUS RT-ACRH13, It's pretty cheap and its Performance to price ratio is really high. You don't have to spend so much to get what you need in a gaming router.

Here is a direct link to the amazon page:
https://www.amazon.com/RT-ACRH13-Dual-Band-AC1300-4-port-Gigabit/dp/B01LXL1AR8/

 

[hasu]

*nm*